For a long time now, it seems like big and fluffy was the way to go. You at least saw a duvet folded at the foot of the bed. But Sara brought up some good points in favor of ditching the big fluffy for the flat and simple, so as I looked back at my saved pictures I realized that many of them were already sporting the cleaner and leaner look.

I'm not sure where I've been, but there does indeed seem to be a battle raging... which side are you on?

Flat:

or Fluffy:

Flat and tucked in:

or Fluffy:

Flat and layered:

or Fluffy:

Flat with texture:

or Fluffy:

I've been kind of thinking for a while that I would take the down-filled comforter out of my linen duvet, and maybe just use the duvet cover flat as a coverlet. Chris hates sleeping with it on his feet (because it's too heavy), so most nights it ends up folded over into the middle of the bed anyways - even in the winter. (He doesn't understand why we can't just have sheets only on the bed.) I also really like the look of an interesting thick blanket at the foot of the bed, especially in plaid.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

As you may remember, before Christmas, I took on the task of repainting my kitchen cabinets. Along with new paint, my cabinets also received shiny new hardware that I ordered from CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from modern dining room furniture to a large selection of cabinet hardware and accessories. I was really pleased with the selection of cabinet door knobs and pulls they offered, and I think they really help to put the finishing touch on my cabinets.

Now, on with it.

Here is my kitchen now:

Clean and white, with nice hardware.

But it wasn't always this way...

It took a lot of sanding...

And a lot of paint.

Here are some "BEFORE" shots of things like some dried paint drips:

Broken doors:

Original finish where the old hinges used to be:

Uneven texture and handles:

Before:

After:

Before:

After (without knobs):

I know it doesn't look much different - I did just repaint the cabinets white - but oh does it ever look better in person!! So much cleaner and nicer!! It was by far the hardest project that I've ever done, but it was so worth it!

In honor of my new cabinets with their shiny new hardware, CSN Stores is generously offering up a $50 gift certificate that's good at any of their online stores! All you have to do is leave a comment here on this post - simple!

The contest will be open through next Sunday night at 8:00 CST, when I'll announce a winner. (It would be great if you'd also leave a contact email so I can contact you).